LuK clutch with Sachs release bearing

[OldRanger]

That’s exactly the strategy most of the veteran owners here recommend. Even though LuK often provides the clutch and flywheel to BMW, the community has found that the non-OE branded release bearings included in some LuK kits can feel 'loose' or of different quality compared to the Sachs unit. I’m one of those people; I’ve done three clutch jobs on two of these cars.

By sourcing the Sachs release bearing separately, you’re essentially ensuring you get the exact high-validation part BMW intended for the M3, rather than a generic kit-filler. As mentioned earlier in the thread, it's also worth cleaning and applying high-quality grease to that bearing race before install to keep it quiet long-term.

PS: if you have a high mileage car, replace the release fork and guide pin, and ensure the transmission input shaft seal is not leaking.

[ac427]

That’s exactly the strategy most of the veteran owners here recommend. Even though LuK often provides the clutch and flywheel to BMW, the community has found that the non-OE branded release bearings included in some LuK kits can feel 'loose' or of different quality compared to the Sachs unit. I’m one of those people; I’ve done three clutch jobs on two of these cars.

By sourcing the Sachs release bearing separately, you’re essentially ensuring you get the exact high-validation part BMW intended for the M3, rather than a generic kit-filler. As mentioned earlier in the thread, it's also worth cleaning and applying high-quality grease to that bearing race before install to keep it quiet long-term.

PS: if you have a high mileage car, replace the release fork and guide pin, and ensure the transmission input shaft seal is not leaking.

Thank you. I completely agree with what you have written but i just don't see how the cars from factory would end up with a Sachs release bearing if LuK are supplying the clutch.

We are effectively saying that BMW fitted a LuK clutch and Sachs release bearing from the factory. This does seem unlikely.

[bmwfnatic]

I ordered a Sachs clutch kit a while ago, it was 40 bucks more than the LUK and you just get the LUK stuff in a Sachs box. It had the same wobbly bearing. Some cars that I take apart do seem to have a more solid bearing from factory.

[ac427]

I ordered a Sachs clutch kit a while ago, it was 40 bucks more than the LUK and you just get the LUK stuff in a Sachs box. It had the same wobbly bearing. Some cars that I take apart do seem to have a more solid bearing from factory.

Were you able to tell what make or see any differences in the ones you removed apart from the wobble?

[George Hill]

In the last 7yrs I've installed probably 20+ LuK clutch kits. Originally I was installing them with BMW TOBs, after warrantying (2) BMW TOBs I now use the LuK exclusively with no known issues.

[ac427]

In the last 7yrs I've installed probably 20+ LuK clutch kits. Originally I was installing them with BMW TOBs, after warrantying (2) BMW TOBs I know use the LuK exclusively with no known issues.

Thanks George, Does this mean you had two BMW throw out bearings fail?

[George Hill]

ac427 correct

[ac427]

So, the $64,000 question is which grease type of pack the new bearing with?